Sinusitis, or inflammation of the sinuses, troubles an estimated 28.9 million US adults. If you struggle with facial pain and pressure, breathing problems, headaches, and a reduced sense of smell, you may need treatment for this condition. Take a look at your range of options, from conservative sinus therapy to corrective surgery.

Nonsurgical Sinus Therapy Strategies 

If you only suffer from mild sinusitis, you may need nothing more than a saline nasal spray. You can get these sprays without a prescription or an initial evaluation from a doctor. They can thin out the mucus clogging your sinuses to make breathing easier and relieve pressure.

Ear, nose, and throat specialists often prescribe medicated nasal sprays as an effective form of sinus medical therapy. These sprays may contain antihistamines, decongestant medications, or corticosteroids. If a bacterial infection has caused your sinusitis, you may receive a prescription for antibiotics.

In some cases, oral medications can ease sinusitis symptoms. For instance, sinusitis due to allergies may respond to over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestant tablets. You can also get oral corticosteroids by prescription, but inhaled corticosteroids tend to produce fewer side effects.

If inhaled and oral medications fail to tackle your sinusitis, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection. Injected cortisone or prednisone can reduce sinus inflammation and associated symptoms quickly and dramatically, with the results lasting for months at a time.

Immunotherapy injections can also help people plagued by constant or recurring allergies. These injections can reduce your allergy-induced sinusitis symptoms by up to 90 percent. They can prove highly useful if you can't get proper relief from other allergy medications.

Sinus Surgeries

Some people with chronic sinusitis may need a more aggressive form of treatment than medication can offer. Your ear, nose, and throat specialist may recommend trying a minimally invasive procedure called balloon sinuplasty. In this procedure, the doctor inserts and inflates a balloon in your sinuses to dilate them permanently.

If your sinusitis stems from abnormal sinus structure or the development of growths called polyps, you may need endoscopic sinus surgery. This procedure involves the use of a special elongated surgical tool that fits inside the sinuses. The surgeon uses this tool to extract any tissues or other substances that restrict your breathing.

Whatever the cause or severity of your sinusitis, medical science most likely has a solution to your suffering. Contact a reputable ear, nose, and throat doctor in your area to learn more about sinus therapy.

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